Khema

Author:Laxman Burdak, IFS (R)

---

Khema (खेम) or Khemavati Nagar (खेमवती नगर) is a city mentioned in Buddhist literature Dipavansha and Mahavansa.

Variants

• Khema खेम = Khemavati Nagar खेमवती नगर (AS, p.258)
• Khemavati (खेमवती)
• Khemarama/Khemäräma (खेमाराम) (Mahavansa/Chapter 25)
• Khemaka
• Gutiva गुटीव दे. Khema खेम (AS,p.290) = Gotihawa (Nepal)

History

Modern day Gotihawa, a village located about 4 kms southeast of Kapilavastu, in Nepal, was known as Khemavati in ancient times. According to Theravāda Buddhist tradition, Kakusandha Buddha was born in Khemavati. Kakusandha Buddha is one of the ancient Buddhas whose biography is chronicled in chapter 22 of the Buddhavamsa, one of the books of the Pāli Canon.

In Buddhism

1. Khemavati - The capital of King Khemankara and the birthplace of Kakusandha (D.ii.7; Bu.xxii.13; BuA.209; Dvy.242). It is sometimes called Khema. E.g., J.i.42.

2. Khemavati - The city of birth of Tissa Buddha (Bu.xviii.16). There he preached the Buddhavamsa to his relatives (BuA.190). It is sometimes also called Khema and Khemaka.

(Source): Pali Kanon: Pali Proper Names

In Mahavansha

Mahavansa/Chapter 25 mentions Khemäräma.....The Victory of Duttha Gamani.... Arrived at Mahiyangana he overpowered the Damila Chatta. When he had slain the Damilas in that very place he came then to Ambatitthaka, which had a trench leading from the river, and (conquered) the Damila Titthamba; fighting the crafty and powerful foe for four months he (finally) overcame him by cunning,' since he placed his mother in his view. When the mighty man marching thence down (the river) had conquered seven mighty Damila princes in one day and had established peace, he gave over the booty to his troops. Therefore is (the place) called Khemäräma.

खेम

विजयेन्द्र कुमार माथुर ने लेख किया है ...खेम = खेमवती नगर (AS, p.258): खेम का दीपवंश में उल्लेख है (जर्नल ऑफ ऐशियाटिक सोसायटी बंगाल 1838, पृ.793).

खेमवती नगर

विजयेन्द्र कुमार माथुर ने लेख किया है ... खेमवती नगर (AS, p.258):स्वयंभूपुराण 4 में उल्लिखित क्रकुचंद्र बुद्ध का जन्म स्थान. यह नेपाल में तिलोरा से 4 मील दक्षिण की ओर गुटीव नामक स्थान है.